★ Spotlight 2027
Aptos & Seacliff
Rio Del Mar
Aptos and Seacliff run from the redwood trails of Nisene Marks down to wide state beaches, with a walkable village, a Saturday farmers market and a college gallery along the way. It is an easy place to pair forest and shoreline in a single day.
A Saturday from Market to Shore
- Start at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College, open Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, for produce and handmade goods.
- Drive down to Aptos Village for coffee at Cat & Cloud and a browse through Warmth Company.
- Stroll the lawn and creek side of Aptos Village County Park.
- Finish at Seacliff State Beach for a leashed-dog walk on the sand and a look at the concrete ship offshore.
Eat & Drink
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Bittersweet Bistro
A neighborhood bistro near Rio Del Mar serving American dishes with Mediterranean touches, in business for more than three decades. A heated patio and a bar make it easy to linger over dinner.
Local tip: Happy hour runs Tuesday through Sunday, 3 to 5:30 p.m., in the bar or on the heated patio.
- Outdoor seating
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003
Website for Bittersweet Bistro (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Bittersweet Bistro (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
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Cat & Cloud Coffee (Aptos Village)
A walk-up coffeehouse in Aptos Village with indoor and outdoor seating, serving espresso drinks, teas and pastries alongside beans roasted in Santa Cruz.
- Outdoor seating
10 Parade St, Suite A, Aptos, CA 95003
Website for Cat & Cloud Coffee (Aptos Village) (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Cat & Cloud Coffee (Aptos Village) (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
Shops & Local Makers
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Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
A Saturday morning market on the Cabrillo College parking decks, year-round, with roughly 90 farm families and artisan makers. Expect certified produce, handmade goods, knife sharpening and ocean views.
Local tip: Open Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon, year-round, rain or shine.
- Ocean view
6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Website for Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
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Warmth Company
A home furnishings boutique in Aptos Village stocking furniture, bedding, accessories and gifts, with staff happy to help match pieces to a home or a present.
140 Post Office Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Website for Warmth Company (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Warmth Company (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
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Aptos History Museum
Displays of local history inside the Aptos branch library, with artifacts and photographs tracing the area from its Native American communities through the earthquake. School groups can arrange tours.
- Rainy-day pick
7695 Soquel Dr (inside Aptos Branch Library), Aptos, CA 95003
Website for Aptos History Museum (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Aptos History Museum (opens in a new tab) ↗
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Cabrillo Gallery
A college gallery inside the Cabrillo library with rotating exhibitions of faculty, student and regional work, open invitationals, and Saturday afternoon receptions that often include artist or curator talks.
- Rainy-day pick
Library Room 1002, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Website for Cabrillo Gallery (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Cabrillo Gallery (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
Parks, Beaches & Outdoors
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Aptos Village County Park
A redwood-shaded county park beside the village with a lawn, gazebo, picnic area, barbecues and creek access. The park hall and event space host weddings and gatherings.
100 Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, CA 95003
Website for Aptos Village County Park (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Aptos Village County Park (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
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Manresa State Beach
A La Selva Beach stretch of sand with bluff-top picnic tables, fire rings, hiking trails and surf lessons nearby. Dogs are welcome on leash, and tent camping at the neighboring uplands runs mid-May through October.
Local tip: Fires are allowed only in park fire rings, and alcohol is not allowed on the beach or in the day-use area.
- Dog-friendly
1445 San Andreas Rd, La Selva Beach, CA 95076 (Manresa Main day use; State Parks lists Watsonville mailing address)
Website for Manresa State Beach (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Manresa State Beach (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
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The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Redwood forest above Aptos with about 30 miles of trails, remnants of the old logging railroad, an old-growth grove near one of the picnic areas and shaded picnic spots along the creek.
Local tip: Bikes and leashed dogs are limited to the Aptos Creek Fire Road and a few single-track trails below the steel bridge.
- Dog-friendly
- Bike-friendly
Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, CA 95003
Website for The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
Landmarks & Local Highlights
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Seacliff State Beach
A long sandy beach backed by bluffs, with picnic areas, surfing and fishing. The concrete ship sunk offshore in 1929 is still the signature landmark, though it is closed to the public and the pier is gone.
Local tip: Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet and must stay attended.
- Dog-friendly
- Bike-friendly
State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 (State Park Drive exit from Highway 1)
Website for Seacliff State Beach (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Seacliff State Beach (opens in a new tab) ↗
Checked
Spotlight 2027 edition. Places are checked against their own websites, most recently in November 2026. Hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Every business listed is locally owned.
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